Faults:

Ignition system just quit working.

General Comments:

As much as I like the handling and comfort with the Barina, its reliability is unpredictable. The engine runs smoothly and the feel of the manual transmission is superb. Long distance interstate driving is very comfortable for a small car.

Recently the car would not start. I had it towed to the mechanic where it sat for two weeks while they tried to get it going again. They couldn't find the issue. They switched parts for diagnosing including fuel pump and computer system, but to no avail. Then one morning it just started right up and this had everyone scratching their heads as no one knows what the fault was.

I am happy it is back on the road again, but obviously not 100% confident that the gremlin will not creep back.

Faults:

Problem:

There is a new hidden feature that was revealed to me last 4-5 weeks ago, and that is every time you fill it with fuel, the car would just stop and won't start for the next 20-30 minutes. So I call the RAA, and before even they could reach the spot, the car starts on its own.

This happens every time I now get fuel and is getting scary.

Solutions:

Have been to several mechanics in Adelaide and they were unable to detect the exact problem.

General Comments:

Drives well, but don't know what could break next

Faults:

EGR needed replacing early in its life.

Constantly having problems.

Paint fades extremely quickly; have had it sprayed twice...

Faults:

Holden should call back all Barinas and change the EGR valve. They know it is faulty, and it is not fair to the customer.

I have asked many Barina owners, and they have the same problem. Sometimes dealers have no idea as to what is wrong with the car. I think it is because this car is not made by Holden.

Faults:

Engine problems at 64,000km.

Oil leak at 65,000.

General Comments:

The appearance of the car really appealed to me and it is a pleasure to drive.

However, given that I have had to spend over $1000 to repair the vehicle after having it less than a year and having driven it less than 10,000 kms... i would say this car is a 'NO GO.'

Additionally, this car was purchased from Holden with a 3-year warranty and RACV check... NOT HAPPY!!!

Faults:

No faults at all.

General Comments:

Surprisingly responsive to drive considering it is an automatic with only 66 kilowatts of power.

Being heavier than most cars of a similar size contributes to the excellent stability, ride and quietness.

Faults:

Exterior front wheel arch plastic moulds fall off whenever driving in wet weather.

Interior passenger door trim scuff guard fell off. One week after delivery. Rectified at first service.

Instrument cluster plastic cover has stress fracture across the middle. Dealership service advisor first claimed this was not uncommon in Barina and Astra models. Later called back and said warranty would not cover part as this part is not meant to break. Ongoing battle with Holden and dealership over this. Has anyone else experienced this?

Rear stereo speaker failure at 5000km. Rectified under warranty.

Exhaust manifold cover comes loose, and starts making annoying metallic rattle at idle. Tightened at each service, but starts rattling again after about 1000km of driving.

General Comments:

This little car is the definitive pocket rocket. There isn't another car on the market that gives such performance or standard features for the money.

Acceleration is very brisk, and the traction control is unobtrusive. A smooth torque curve that gives strong pull all the way to redline. A very smooth short shifting transmission, and controlled suspension gives excellent handling.

The ride is firm, but the car can comfortably fit four adults. Five adults is a squeeze, but passenger carrying capability is not the vehicles main objective. Air conditioning is strong in all, but the hottest of weather (40 degrees plus).

Standard power windows, mirrors, cruise control, remote central locking, alloy wheels, fog lamps, body kit, external temperature reading, CD with steering wheel controls, ABS, dual airbags, traction control and four wheel disc brakes, all for under A$22,000 make the Barina SRi a very attractive proposition.

Front air dam is very low to the ground and caution must be observed when going over driveways or speed bumps. Alloy wheels are attractive, but also easily damaged unless care is taken when parallel parking.

Moderate cost to insure, but not bad considering the performance. Servicing costs are also moderate. Brake pads required replacing after 20,000kms and brake discs are too thin to be machined, meaning they must be replaced. This can be rather expensive at A$1000 for a full pad and disc replacement.

Overall a great little car let down by some niggling build quality issues, but these can be overlooked for how well the car goes. This car is regularly underestimated, but never fails to impress.

Faults:

Condensation formed in one of the head lights due to a faulty seal.

The bottom plastic moulding keeps coming off over bumps.

General Comments:

One of the best looking small cars ever built.

It handles like a sedan.

Interior trim is a bit drab, it could do with better fabric.

Faults:

Front skirt of bumper is plastic and low and scrapes on gutters when entering driveways. Have had to have it put back on twice in 2 years.

General Comments:

Very easy to drive with easy to use controls.

Lacks power on fast take offs when air conditioning is being used. Good overall performance.

For a small car a good size interior comfortably seating 4 people.

Faults:

- Very low clearance which meant that when I gently hit a curb parking the plastic duco broke off.

- The centre cup holder is very small. 600ml Coke bottles don't fit in it. Something more like the cup holder in recent Commodores would be better.

General Comments:

- Very easy and fun car to drive.

- Very low running costs.

- The sound system is great and easy to use. Plus CD player and steering wheel stereo controls are standard.

- Barina is quick for it's engine size.

- Impressive standard safety features including driver's and passenger's air bags.